Salmon River Watershed Partnership

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Going Green may just seem like the latest trend, but it can have a variety
of benefits for your business! Adding eco-friendly practices to the workplace
can help create a healthy environment for your employees, reduce unnecessary
waste and recognizes the role that businesses play in leading a more
sustainable future.

Won’t Going Green Cost Me an Arm and a Leg?

Nope! Upfront costs keep many businesses from even attempting greener practices, however, many ways to go green cost little or nothing at all. Some initial costs can also yield significant savings and drive revenues in the long run. Taking the green initiative demonstrates that you are a responsible, environmentally conscious business owner which can improve your company’s reputation and promote business. A company’s reputation plays a big role in its success and more and more people are becoming concerned with the environmental impacts of the products or services they purchase and the company who provides them. In a study run by a Manhattan-based public relations firm, nearly half of the participants said they make some effort to buy green products. Another study showed that 10% of Walmart shoppers stopped shopping there because of the company’s poor reputation including its commitment to the environment. Going Green can draw more costumers to your business and promoting environmentalism as part of your missions statement can help gain loyal customers and protect the environment. Be proud of even small changes to your business and your customers will be too!

Many common cleaning
products are toxic! But most can be replaced by natural brands which use all
natural and biodegradable ingredients. Natural products also avoid chemicals with suspected human
health risks and use no animal testing. In addition, use fragrance and dye free
products when possible which often contain artificial chemicals. You may not
even realize some of the impacts that harsh cleaners can have on your
respiratory health and other physical impacts. Green cleaning reduces impact on water quality and wildlife which toxic chemicals often reach. Better yet, save costs by making your own
non-toxic cleaning products! Common household products such as soap, baking
soda, vinegar, ammonia, cornstarch and lemon can be used harmlessly to help
lift stains, disinfect, deodorize and even polish metal or wood.

Maintaining septic
systems is essential! According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health,
septic systems should be pumped every 3 to 5 years. Proper maintenance prevents
septic failure which is costly to fix and prevents bacteria contaminating the
groundwater. Fecal bacteria left in our yards from pets or septic system
leaching can cause not only cloudy water but also cramps, diarrhea, intestinal
illness and serious kidney disorders in humans if consumed. Out of sight, out
of mind will hurt you in the long run!

Signs of a failed
septic system include patches of lush green grass, a strong sewage odor, and
pooling of waste water on the ground surface. Any of these indications requires
immediate attention and should contact either Connecticut Department of Public Health or licensed septic contractor.

Tips to maintain a healthy septic system:

Do not introduce any
harsh chemicals into your sewage system: Drainage and toilet bowl cleaners can
kill necessary bacteria that are important for breaking down the sewage. Make
sure to check the label on cleaning products to make sure they are safe to use
in septic systems.

Never dispose of any
automotive or other toxic chemicals down the drain or toilet.

Avoid throwing any
garbage and solid waste into drains such as food, paper towels, cigarettes,
tampons and diapers which can clog your septic system.

Use everyday chemicals
sparingly to reduce the amount of chemicals in your septic system. For example,
try to reduce the amount of soap, shampoo, and detergent while taking a shower
or doing laundry.

Not only can toxic
chemical pose a major problem for septic systems but they can get into the
local water supply. Sewage treatment plants do a pretty good job at removing
chemicals before water is released into our waterways, but some chemicals do not
degrade easily and can end up in our reservoirs and wells. Specifically, toxic, automotive, and other
hazardous waste should never be spilled down sinks, toilets, drains, put into
garbage cans or dumped outside. Hazardous materials need to be disposed of
properly or it will probably find a way into our drinking water. If you are not sure
if a chemical is toxic, information is readily available online for proper
disposal techniques. Here is a list of common hazardous waste produced by small
businesses. In addition, courses online can help familiarize yourself with
types of hazardous materials proper disposal methods.

Trees and plants are
important for our watershed because they prevent runoff. Runoff is the primary way pollutants reach our water sources. Large buildings and paved surfaces often guide rain water directly into storm drains along with any pollutant it finds on its way. Tall trees and plants collect water first on their leaves and release water back into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration.
Trees and plants also support the soil with their roots and cover the ground
with leaf litter which helps water seep into the ground
instead of flowing over it into drainage systems. This infiltration is necessary to
replenish groundwater which our wells need to pump water into our homes and
buildings. Groundwater also helps maintain stream flow during dry periods. Plants and trees also take up and store water
which promotes further infiltration and prevents flooding and erosion. Trees are especially good at taking up pollutants in water and converting them to
less harmful substances. Before you chop down that tree, think of its huge
pollutant absorbing root system and all of the benefits it has for your
drinking water!

Trees and plants
provide many other benefits as well including improved air quality, reduced temperatures
in the summer and provide shade, reduce heating and cooling costs, provides
habitat for wildlife and promotes recreation and aesthetic value. Trees can even
increase property value!

Trees and plants
are good for our groundwater and prevent runoff… But which ones do we plant?
Try native! Native plants and grass require less attention and survive well on
their own because they are already well adjusted to our soil types and seasonal
patterns. There is no need for expensive fertilizers and pesticides which get washed away and pollute our water. Native plants, trees
and gardens can have the same aesthetic appeal and require a lot less work
without adding harsh chemicals to our water. Native plants have a lot
of other benefits as well such as promoting biodiversity and they attract and
support native insect and wildlife.

Thinking of starting a
native garden or adding some native plants? Here are some great
starter plants for Connecticut!